you can try the lasalle yacht club. they might have a slip open if you call ahead. thata about 2 miles from downtown niagara falls. http://lasalleyachtclub.com/

Niagara Falls Photos

So how much past grand island, if at all, can you go?

About a mile.

It's official, we have decided to do the trip to the falls. We have a small group going to PIB the weekend of 8-7. On Sunday, we will leave PIB and head toward the falls. Our time is ok, so we are not in a huge rush, but would like to schedule our stops to spend one day sightseeing the falls, at least one day in Buffalo, and one night on the return home at the new docks in Cleveland.

We received lots of good advice from this forum on a trip to traverse city a couple years ago, and am hoping we can get equally good advice for this adventure. Looking at the charts there appear to be able plenty of stops along the U.S. Side. Leaving PIB, there could be stops in; vermillion, Huron, Cleveland, Fairport, Ashtubula, Erie, Dunkirk, Buffalo, and then closer to the falls. We will probably run all the way to Buffalo on the first day (maybe aerie or Dunkirk?), but want to stop every 50 miles or so and either eat, drink, or shop (yeah, wives are going).
Obviously keeping a good fuel supply is a must also. We are thinking of Cleveland being our last stop on the return leg. Any suggestions of stops to make, things to do, fueling, and suggested marinas would be much appreciated.

Hey there SteveWy!!!...Have made Cleveland run many times...Just be sure to stay way clear of Pt. Pelee...And try to follow shipping channel to the Detroit Light...To avoid the fishing nets...both marked and unmarked...I know several boaters who have run aground and/or lost drives on those nets...while on plane...Divenstar

I just saw this and would be wiling to assist in anyway, including dockage, just say so,

sam

Thanks Sam. Here is what I am thinking (but totally flexible):

We are planning on leaving PIB Sunday 8-9 early in the morning. We can make a quick run and stop and have breakfast.It looks like Vermillion is about 25 miles, Avon Pt maybe 43. Does either place have an area we can dock and walk to a breakfast restaurant? We should also fuel up there. I prefer 91 but have on occasion used regular without any problem - don't like to though. So, I need a dock - breakfast - and fuel in that general area. Suggestions?

With a full tank of fuel, we will head back out and be ready for a cocktail - or my wife likes to shop, somewhere in the area of fairport (around 55 miles from Vermillion), or Ashtubula (around 75 miles from Vermillion). Keeping a full tank of gas is always good for me. But, just a stop to wander around a little is fine. I'm thinking after we had breakfast, fuel, and ran for another couple of hours it's probably going to be about noon.

Leaving Astubula (or fairport) if we move on to Dunkirk it's about a 90 mile run. Should be time for another snack - cocktail - or more shopping. If I'm running on average 40 MPH it's maybe 3 or 4 o'clock.

Leave Dunkirk and go on about 30 miles to Buffalo. Stop to spend the night and enjoy a little Buffalo. Where should we stay? I would want fuel again

Get up mid morning on Monday and head to Tonawanda. I'll take you up on your offer of assisting with dockage. Just tell me where to be (thanks)

We can catch a shuttle or figure out some way to go up and see the falls by car. Get back to Tonawanda in the late afternoon and head out. We will stop in Erie (about 80 miles from Buffalo) and spend the night. Any suggestions on best place to stay? Again - top off with fuel

Leave Buffalo Tuesday morning and head to Cleveland. Stay at the new docks by the Rock and Roll HOF, and spend Tuesday night.

Up Wednesday morning and head home. Maybe go straight home -- maybe stop at Kelley's --- maybe Maumee State Park.

Be home Wednesday night or Thursday.

Of course, we all know this GREAT plan is weather permitting.

Any advice is really appreciated. Thanks

Oooops leaving Erie Tuesday morning - not Buffalo

If you spend a night downtown, I would stay at Erie Basin Marina, nice area, the naval park is within walking distance, as well as CanalSide, You can also pull into the Buffalo River and dock at CanalSide, but for overnight I'd rather have a spot at Erie Basin, They have Templeton Landing which has a great patio and restaurant, I would also recommend grabbing a cab or even walking to Pearl Street they have amazing food and its a brewery with there own beers, I love this place and would be willing to join,
As far as when u get to Tonawanda I can help u out at River Oaks Marina I may have lost it but tell me again what days you think you will be here, we are also right across from the entrance to the Erie Canal, and there are some nice places to eat as well, Also if you need a break there is a hotel right next door, Nia Falls is a 10 minute cab ride, any more question ask away, I think your little trip is pretty cool, someday